Becoming an apprentice

Apprenticeships combine paid employment, practical training and off-the-job study.

As an apprentice you will learn on the job, work on real tasks and projects, and earn a salary.

At least 20% of your working week will be spent training or studying (a week is defined as 30 hours).

You will complete ongoing assessments and your progress will be evaluated regularly.

Once you have completed all the relevant training and learning you will undertake an end-point assessment.

Anyone aged 16 or over can be an apprentice - there is no upper age limit.

You will need to be employed for at least 30 hours a week in a relevant job role. Part time apprenticeships are available for people working less than 30 hours per week but  these take longer to complete.

If you are not already in work , you can find apprenticeship opportunities on our vacancies page. You can also complete our course enquiry form [external link] and we will contact you if an apprenticeship becomes available.

We offer 26 different apprenticeships.  Visit our apprenticeship course pages for more information.

Becoming an apprentice is a great way to start a new career. It’s also a good way to develop  in your current job.

Apprenticeships are open to all and offer you the chance to balance study with paid work and other personal commitments.

You will receive nationally recognised training and  because apprentices don’t pay tuition fees and are not eligible for student loans, you don’t need to worry about getting into debt.

You’re also eligible for student discounts!

There are four different levels of apprenticeship:

• Intermediate - which is the same as  five grade 4 (or grade C) GCSE passes.
• Advanced - which is the same as two A-level passes.
• Higher – which is the same as a foundation degree.
• Degree – which is comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree.

The level gives you an idea of the skills and knowledge you'll have when you finish the apprenticeship, not what you need to have before you apply.

Apprenticeship lengths vary but typically take:

• 12 - 18 months (intermediate)
• 18 – 24 months (advanced)
•  3-6 years (higher and degree)

Apprentices do not pay tuition fees.

You'll receive the national minimum wage for apprentices [external link] if:

• you're aged under 19
• you're aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship

You'll receive the national minimum wage or national living wage rate [external link] for your age if you're aged 19 or over and have completed thefirst year of your apprenticeship.

For more information, see GOV.UK - Become an apprentice [external link].

Apprentices aged 16 to 24 who are care leavers could also get  a bursary.

By the end of your apprenticeship you will have the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career or to undertake further study. You will receive a nationally-recognised qualification and your employer may offer you a longer term position.

If you are unhappy on your apprenticeship our careers advisor/mentor will be able to offer advice, guidance and support.

If you have a concern or complaint about the delivery of your apprenticeship, you should follow the apprenticeships complaints procedure [pdf document].

Visit our apprenticeship vacancies page for the latest apprenticeship vacancies or complete our course enquiry form [external link] and we will contact you if an apprenticeship becomes available. 

You may also be able to find apprenticeships on online job sites or at find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK [external link]